Obesity has been a growing problem in the United States; however, it didn't always receive the attention that is does now. In fact, it wasn't until 1997, when the Center for Disease Control and Prevention changed its measurement guidelines, that we really knew how bad the problem was. At that, obesity and morbid obesity became a part of our health dialogue.
BMI
Obesity is defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 39.9. A morbidly obese person has a BMI of 40 or above. Moderate obesity is a BMI of 30 to 34.9.
Activity
The morbidly obese live a lifestyle that is significantly impaired by their weight; most can't move without assistance. Meanwhile, the moderately obese struggle in initiating activity and often in the first few weeks of an exercise routine.
Weight
Morbid obese Americans are more than 100 pounds over their ideal weight, significantly more than the moderate obese are. In fact, it is often the excess weight alone that impairs that morbidly obese and endangers their organs (heart and lungs especially), preventing them from working properly.
Prevalence
The most current statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics place the rate of obesity at 32 percent. Morbid obesity, however, isn't tracked by the government. But one can look at a previous study by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) to get an idea at what the number could be. In 1999, the JAMA measured obesity at 30 percent and morbid obesity at 6 percent.
Health Risk
Everyone knows about the diseases that the morbidly obese put themselves at risk of. There is also the strain on bones and joints from the excess weight. The damage is often extensive and may remain even after the weight is off.
